As is the custom in publishing, I was offered a copy of this title for review with no inducements, caveats or remuneration.

This book by Dave Baranek is a delightfully and easily read book taking the reader through the career of this naval aviator — a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) on Grumman F-14 Tomcats. The perspective from a RIO is a different from a pilot’s, naturally, making this book worth a read.

Baranek’s career has a typical portion that is described in a dynamic and conversational way. His description of how to live in the cockpit, plane handling on deck as well as how the pilot and RIO worked (past tense since the Tomcat has now been retired from inventory) as a team are more than educational — they are enlightening and at times exciting. For one thing, I had no idea how hard naval aircraft are used. Most of us know that flying onto and off of an aircraft carrier is exceptional as well as difficult but also consider the aircraft. He describes a day landing qualification day which went like this:

F-14 lands (traps)

Left engine is shut down.

Left side is refueled, flight crew is exchanged

Left engine is started, right engine is shut down

Right side is refueled

Right engine started

Aircraft is maneuvered to catapult

F-14 is launched to land 5 minutes to an hour later

Repeated as needed

The Navy’s aircraft, when aboard carriers, are flown hard and harsh.

Baranek also describes exceptional aspects of his career being Topgun instructor, his experience taking part in the making of the movie Top Gun (yes, Hollywood spells Topgun “their” way) and meeting Viktor Belenko (the Russian pilot who defected with a MiG 25 Foxbat).

Throughout the book facts are woven into a clear understanding of the equipment and flying (no doubt a benefit of his duty as Topgun instructor). His recollections don’t simply come from memory but from his systematic taking of notes while on flights and in simulated combat. This also applies to his observations as well as participation in the making of Top Gun. Photos in the book are insightful, many shot by the author while on missions and there are many of them.

Topgun Days book is a good read for military aviation enthusiasts as well as teens thinking if flying in the military as Baranek illustrates the dedication and professionalism of naval aviation.

Note: the publisher has informed me that they have a sale on the electronic version of this book at a substantial discount — about 25% of the hardback price. I don’t get anything for hits to the following links, I’m placing them due to the potential cost savings: